Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

You're facing pushback from senior staff on new training initiatives. How can you overcome their resistance?

When it comes to implementing new training initiatives in plant operations, you might encounter resistance from senior staff members who are accustomed to established procedures. This pushback can stem from various concerns such as disruption to workflow, doubts about the effectiveness of new methods, or simply a reluctance to change. To successfully roll out these initiatives, it is crucial to address these concerns head-on, fostering an environment where the value of continuous learning is recognized and embraced.

1 Understand Concerns

Understanding the concerns of your senior staff is the first step toward overcoming their resistance to new training initiatives. Engage them in open dialogue to uncover the root of their reluctance. It could be a fear of the unknown, a sense of comfort with the status quo, or concerns about the time and resources required for new training. By actively listening and showing empathy, you can begin to address their specific issues and demonstrate how the new training aligns with the goals of the plant operations.

Add your perspective

Trish Nikolich

Organizational Change Management, Senior Manager
Listen to their concerns and discuss options with them. Often concerns or pushback are rooted in fear or feeling a lack of control. By making them part of the solution, you build their buy-in and ownership. If there is a fear of lost production, remind the concerned that building skills builds production. Discuss how a growth mindset means growing associates and that training is one of the ways we grow.
Like
Report contribution

2 Communicate Benefits

Clear communication about the benefits of new training initiatives is essential. Explain how these programs can lead to improved safety, efficiency, and performance within plant operations, which are likely priorities for your senior staff. Emphasize that while there may be a learning curve, the long-term advantages, such as staying competitive and up-to-date with industry standards, outweigh the initial challenges.

Add your perspective

3 Involve Leadership

Add your perspective

4 Pilot Programs

Starting with a pilot program can help ease senior staff into new training initiatives. Select a small group to undergo the training and provide feedback. This approach allows you to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program in a controlled environment and make adjustments based on real-world feedback before rolling it out on a larger scale. Success stories from the pilot can be powerful in swaying skeptics.

Add your perspective

5 Ongoing Support

Providing ongoing support is key to ensuring that senior staff feel comfortable and confident with new training initiatives. Offer resources such as additional coaching sessions, Q&A forums, or refresher courses to help staff feel supported throughout the transition. This support signals your commitment to their professional development and the success of the plant operations.

Add your perspective

6 Monitor Progress

Monitoring progress and gathering feedback is critical in addressing any ongoing resistance to new training initiatives. Regular check-ins with senior staff can help you gauge the effectiveness of the training and identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and celebrate successes, which can further encourage acceptance and participation in future training programs.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Robert Griscavage

My interests include Training, Evaluation, Human Capital, Mediating, and Coaching.
Start with the skills gap that the training will address. A good case for the training can be made by highlighting undesirable impact that is caused by the gap. The training being recommended should clearly show efficacy to reduce the gaps Then, the folks with the money can decide if the investment in the training alternative is worth the cost. A proposal needs to convince others of the need for action, as simply advising others because you think it’s a good idea is not a good approach. You should paint a picture of the benefit and stress its importance, in view of the pain being endured that needs to be relieved.
Like
Report contribution

You're facing pushback from senior staff on new training initiatives. How can you overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Communicate Benefits

3 Involve Leadership

4 Pilot Programs

5 Ongoing Support

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Plant Operations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Plant Operations

More relevant reading

You're facing pushback from senior staff on new training initiatives. How can you overcome their resistance?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Communicate Benefits

3 Involve Leadership

4 Pilot Programs

5 Ongoing Support

6 Monitor Progress

7 Here’s what else to consider

Plant Operations

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills